Wisconsin Dells - Albuquerque,NM

Hi - The Dells and surrounding area has quite a bit to do. Most of the bigger (pricier) hotels have water parks included with your room rate and there will be plenty of options for all of your kids. Some of the biggest are Kalahari, Wilderness, Chula Vista (away from the main part of the Dells), Mt. Olympus & Great Wolf. Most any of those would likely have all-inclusive options.

In addition, there are a lot of stand-alone water parks not connected to a hotel. There is also miniature golf, restaurants & "tourist-trap" shops like you would find at most other "family destinations". If you want something different, Mirror Lake & Devils Lake State Parks are beautiful. Baraboo with the Circus Museum is also within a short drive.

If you plan on just staying at one of the resort hotels, you probably don't need a rental car. If you think you might want/need a break from that then renting a car is a good idea.

Hope that helps!

We are planning on going to the Dells in August. My son is 3 and my daughter will be just shy of her 1st birthday. We have been there many times and enjoy it each time we go. I would definitely rent a car because like Vegas, everything seems closer than it really is. We are renting a cabin at Wannabee campground, so we can get our own food and cook it. They also have lots of kid friendly things to do in the campground, with a pool, organized games and a playground. Then we will be driving to the different water parks (Noah's Ark is a must!) and mini golf places in the area. There is also a movie theater, Ripley's Believe it or Not, upper and lower Dells boat tours, go-carts, the Wonder Spot, and the Ducks. So many fun things to do. No matter what you do, it's a fun time, and you can't fit it all into one trip. I think there is a coupon book that you can buy online somewhere, but I can't remember where. They have lots of coupons to different things and for food to eat. That would give you an idea of what things are available to do. Good luck and have fun!

I have many fond memories of the Dells having summered there my entire childhood. I can't even imagine navigating the Dells with kids with no car. Being a bit old school, the 'waterpark in your hotel' seem a bit over the top to me but considering the wide age range you are dealing with may be the easiest.

Older motels will still have pools and tend to have a better rate when you consider your two youngest won't really be able to take advantage of the waterparks anyway. It all depends on when you are going and the deals offered. An in between option is staying at a condo you can rent. Especially on Lake Delton there are loads of condos trying to rent out their spaces that never sold due the economy. Its like staying in a townhouse and you have a pool and play area but they are less intimidating than say Kalahari or Wolf, plus you are on the lake and beach!

As posted by others, the reason the Dells exist as a tourist destination are the amazing natural water formations. These are visible by Duck tour (a WW2 land/sea vehicle) or a cruise tour on different parts of the Wisconsin River and area lakes. If your 10 year old goes definitely check these out. Mini-golf and go-carts would be a hassle with the younger ones. Your family is probably the perfect age for Circus World museum in neighboring Baraboo. Little kids and big kids love it because there are shows through out the day to fit shorter attention spans and all the action is up close unlike say Tommy Bartlett's ski show.

While you are in Baraboo there is a little tiny local zoo and park that is free called Ochsner. It is along the river and perfect for a picnic and afternoon or morning of play and quiet. Old school park equipment, grassy hills to roll down and Prairie dogs and llamas to watch. North Freedom is another neighboring town with an excellent attraction for your families age, the railroad. Mid-Continent Railway museum is a living history museum so you can ride the rails as well as check out all the cool old cars. Depending on their intrests, the family might also enjoy the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial, the night one is super cool by light of a bonfire.

If you go up to the Broadway strip in the downtown Dells shopping make sure to get some Monk's burgers and Dairyland Fudge! A lot of food near attractions is very sub par but these old standbys are yum. Pedro's is good for mexican food too.

The best part of the Dells is the state parks/outdoors water formations. Be sure to have a car so you can check out the natural beauty. They have fun "duck boats" that the kids would enjoy. Otherwise, you might as well be at a nice resort in your own hometown.

You've received great information so far! I also would recommend renting a car and staying at a waterpark hotel. A great place to take kids, little girls especially, is Storybook Gardens (http://www.storybookgardens.net/storybook.html). I remember going as a little girl, and its like a little fairyland! Have fun!

I live 3 hrs drive away, and have stayed at Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge...

With kids the ages you listed, I would definitely do an "all inclusive" resort like one of these 2 (and I much prefer Kalahari for the toddlers). That way, you can send 1 adult upstairs with the baby for nap, while the other kids can stay in the waterpark.

The allure of Wisconsin Dells started with the natural land and water formations, the "Dells" so you could take an afternoon tour to see some of the surroundings, including riding the "duck" boats into the dells, Devil's Lake state park.

I like having a car there so you can run to the grocery store for gallons of milk, etc. Besides, I'm not sure which airport you'd fly into; it seems like you might need a car to get from the airport to your hotel anyhow.

Everyone gave you great info so I will just add my experiences on resorts. I love Kalahari & Chula Vista, they are very kids friendly & there is indoor & outdoor pools. It will be very crowded so beware of that. Noahs Ark is great but I personally think it's best for older kids. There is a lot to do, as mentioned below, but with kids that age it would be easier to do an all inclusive at a large resort. My kids still remember going & they were only 4 & 3. Have lots of fun